Our mission is to bring the vibrant spirit of Tulum to Toronto with authentic Mexican flavors, exceptional hospitality, and an unmatched selection of tequila, mezcal, and cocktails. Guests are welcomed into a warm, coastal-inspired atmosphere where vibrant flavors and artfully crafted dishes take center stage. Puerto Bravo’s menu features a small list of dishes but each stands out on its own – quality over quantity.

Walker adds, “A traditional comal is used to cook fresh tortillas and toast chilies and seeds, while the ceviche bar offers an array of raw dishes inspired by the flavours of Mexico.” We’ve traveled to Mexico extensively and eaten at taco loving restaurants from Los Angeles to Miami. We spent months dunking hot sauce on tacos and dipping into creamy queso fundido in search of the best Mexican restaurants in Toronto. Known for its tacos, fajitas, and flavour-forward entrées, it offers a fun, energetic dining vibe.

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• Skip up the stairs and you’ll also find a cozy dining room with windows that look out over the hustle and bustle of Kensington Market.
• There are cooks in this city that are making authentic Mexican food that aren’t from Mexico.
• In October, the guide revealed a list of its top Mexican restaurants in Toronto.
• Fresh ingredients, authentic recipes, and bold seasoning define their menu.
• Puerto Bravo is on the city’s east end and according to the Michelin Guide, “This itty bitty kitchen is the little engine that could, doling out the bold flavours of Tampico made with quality ingredients and executed with care.”
• The bottles are such an amazing work of art in and of themselves so for the past 8 years I’ve been saving all of our empties in anticipation of one day using them for an art project.”

From fresh, locally inspired ingredients to inventive culinary creations, our menu invites exploration, connection, and a true celebration of food. This little nook along Adelaide Street is one of Toronto’s best destinations for tacos. Mexican food is more than just your typical tacos and tostadas. The venue did not receive a star, but it did receive Bib Gourmand recognition for "good quality" and "good value cooking." According to the guide, "if you’re here for anything but tacos, you’ve come to the wrong place."

El Rey Mezcal Bar

Out in Toronto’s east end is this tight spot with a mighty menu. “This is food you crave on a regular basis served in an easy-going setting that doesn’t care how you’re dressed.” The smoky barbacoa with jalapeño salsa or the flaky, beer-battered haddock with red cabbage? The food is cooked over a 28-foot wood fire and the presentation of your meal is worth taking a photo of. The venue was given a Bib Gourmand rating in the Michelin Guide. Sign up for a Curiocity account to save articles, leave comments, manage newsletter preferences, and more!

Mad Mexican Restaurant

And while there is a time and place for Tex Mex, we were delighted to find a clutch of Mexican restaurants in Toronto serving a slew of authentic dishes. The flavours are authentic and comforting, reminiscent of classic Latin American street food. Their dishes highlight classic flavours like mole, pozole, and tacos al pastor. Their tacos are simple, fresh, and bursting with authentic flavours. From the most elevated experiences to close-to-comfort dining spots, here are the best Mexcian restaurants in Toronto, according to the Michelin Guide.

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The menu offers a diverse in-house mix, from street corn and ceviche to ribs, empanadas, and an array of tacos. The menu showcases authentic Mexican treats, from signature tacos and burritos to popular appetisers like shrimp ceviche. If you’re here on a weekend the place can get really packed so we suggest treating tacos as they were intended, a street food enjoyed best while strolling. Wag your finger down the menu and you’ll find Mexican classics like guacamole, ceviche, and plenty of drool-worthy tacos.

Skip through the front door and you’ll find exposed brick walls, a long narrow bar and the perfect pitch of subdued romantic lighting. You’ll find Kalbi beef and kimchi paired with tomatillo salsa and bulgogi shrimp stuffed in tiny tacos. Barrio Coreano’s kitchen does an excellent job at crafting memorable fusion dishes. The concept is similar to other Playa Cabana restaurants, specializing in small plates and shareable snacks. The fresh vibe makes it one of the most popular vegan restaurants in Toronto.

Skip inside the colourful space and you’ll find patterned tiles, eye-popping murals and colourful hand-painted typeface exclaiming Churros! The Mexican sandwich shop is owned by Arturo Anhalt of Milagro restaurant fame. You’ll also find a seasonal wine offering alongside a Mexican beer list featuring Dox XX, Sol, Tecate and Model Especial.

We highly recommend ordering a steaming bowl of Pozole Rojo, selection of artisanal Tamales, and Enchiladas de Pollo smothered in bright green tangy tomatillo salsa. Pancho y Emiliano is perhaps most famous for its sun-soaked patio, which on weekends in the summer gets jam packed with taco and tequila lovers. Creative menu items you can also sample include Birria Ramen, Pizadilla and massive Torta sandwich. If you’re a newbie to the art of eating Birria we suggest ordering the classic beef stew taco dipped in consome. Abraham Luna, who co-owns the business with his girlfriend Lluvia Minton, was 25 when he started serving his Toronto Birria menu, but he’s been cooking the mouth-watering dish since he was 15. The small food counter is located at the back of a slender food court at 214 Augusta Avenue.

The host did seem a bit confused and did not guide well for a busy night. My favourite was their vegan chorizo soft mexhico tacos. Ordered nachos to share, and their vegan chorizo taco, sweet potato taco, and Portobello mushroom tostada. Designed by local street artists, La Carnita’s four Toronto locations fuse Mexican street food, graffiti, and mixtapes. Today, the ‘Meathead’ art continues, prints are free, and tacos are sold.

Skip inside the dramatic dining room and you’ll find jaw dropping features such as oversized folk art chandeliers and huge mural by Oscar Flores lit with black lights. The kitchen is in the back of the restaurant, serving up classic tacos like al pastor, battered Baja fish, and carnitas. Beyond the taco menu you’ll also find chilacas, tortas, burritos and quesadillas. Wag your finger down Quetzal’s drinks menu and you’ll find creative Mexican cocktails and a wine list offering a strong selection of Niagara and Prince Edward County wines. Walker explains the inspiration behind the restaurants romantic interior, “it is inspired by the billowing tarps and peaking sunlight of traditional Mexican mercados. The Mexican chef adds, “Our Al Pastor tacos are definitely a favourite.